As of November 2025, the UK government lists over 19,000 economic sanctions on individuals and entities. The type of economic sanction imposed can vary from assets being frozen, travel bans, trade embargoes, and financial restrictions. … Read More
Blog
Business AML checks explained: Why KYB matters for modern firms
This article explains KYB and business AML checks, highlighting their importance for UK firms, key risk indicators, ownership verification, and practical strategies to maintain compliance while supporting safe business growth. … Read More
KYC 101: Understanding Know Your Customer processes and benefits
KYC (Know Your Customer) is more than just a legal requirement – it’s a fundamental part of protecting businesses, customers, and the financial system as a whole. Fraudsters and criminals are constantly looking for ways to exploit weak identity checks, … Read More
How Companies House changes will transform Director and PSC checks: What firms need to know
The UK’s Companies House introduces mandatory identity verification from 18 November 2025, requiring directors and PSCs to verify their identities, with significant implications for compliance, onboarding, and AML/KYC frameworks. … Read More
Top AML compliance trends in the UK: Enforcement highlights from 2025
AML compliance is shifting toward real-time governance, increased enforcement in legal sectors, stricter PEP/UBO scrutiny, and a “prove it” culture, requiring firms to actively demonstrate effective AML controls. … Read More
Re-shaping AML supervision in the UK: FCA appointed as Single Professional Services Supervisor (SPSS)
The FCA has been appointed Single Professional Services Supervisor, centralising AML/CTF oversight for law, accountancy, and TCSP firms. Transition milestones, consultations, legislation, and phased implementation guide firms’ compliance readiness. … Read More
How compliance teams can build a proactive AML compliance through culture
Top teams can build a proactive AML compliance by encouraging early escalation, practical training, cross-department collaboration, and ethical leadership, creating cultures that protect firms from regulatory risk and financial crime. … Read More
FCA AML fines 2015-2025: A decade of data and what it means for you
This blog explores a decade of FCA AML fines (2015-2025), highlighting key enforcement trends, sectors most affected, and common failings. While total fine values fell 68%, enforcement broadened, moving from large retail banks to fintech challengers like Starling and Monzo. … Read More
The top 10 FCA AML fines from the last decade and what they tell us about AML priorities
This report analyses the FCA’s top 10 AML fines between 2015–2025, revealing key compliance failures. It offers actionable insights for firms aiming to strengthen controls and avoid similar regulatory penalties. … Read More
Hidden UBOs: the AML risk hiding in plain sight
Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) data gaps, often caused by outdated or fragmented KYB processes, create significant AML risks. Automation and continuous monitoring are essential to maintain visibility and prevent compliance failures. … Read More